Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:6, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
American Standard Version
The words of the wicked are of lying in wait for blood; But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
World English Bible version
The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
Proverbs 12:6 Meaning & Commentary
The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them. Proverbs 12:6 (ESV)
Throughout The Bible, and especially in the book of Proverbs, we often see a reminder of the power that our words carry. We are even told that life and death are in the power of our tongue: Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. What we speak out has tremendous power and impact.
In the book of James, we see that our words impact not only us, but others as well: James 3: 9-10 With it (the tongue) we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. This scripture portion specifically speaks about blessings or curses that can be released over other people’s lives through our words.
Proverbs 12:6 says that the words of the wicked lie in wait for blood. The sad reality is that some people are just waiting to tear others apart with their words. They watch and wait for someone to make a mistake or slip up. When it happens, they are ready to pounce and speak words of death and a curse over that person. The words of the upright deliver a person, however. We have the power and the ability to speak life into our lives, situations, and circumstances.
Our words even carry the power to remove obstacles and limitations in our lives: Mark 11:23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Jesus is not talking about prayer here but simply speaking words in faith!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:6 to our lives?
The book of Proverbs often makes mention of the power of our words, our tongue, or our speech. This is for a good reason – We need to be constantly reminded of this. Therefore, we must remind ourselves as often as possible that we have great power in our words. We need to purposefully choose to speak life, not death. Whether we are speaking over our own lives or the lives of others. We have the power to build up or tear down.
We can choose to build with our words and not tear down. Some people may purposefully choose to speak death and curses, but this is not the case with most people. Most people lack discipline, fail to control their tongue, and release words when angry, which they later regret. This is a skill to be developed and art to learn. We will do well to keep quiet when we are angry, frustrated, or upset. This is when much damage can be done. It’s easy to blurt out hurtful and damaging words in the heat of the moment.
What is much wiser, though, is to keep quiet, let the anger inside us subside, and then, if necessary – Speak. The Bible says that a man slow to anger, and who has control over his spirit, soul, and body is like a powerful ruler, or mighty warrior: Proverbs 16:32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
When we take care of our inner life and ensure our heart is right before God, we can control our temple better and speak words that release life. This is what should be expected of followers of Jesus Christ – Releasing life and grace through our words wherever we go: Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Prayer
Mighty God, thank you for this sobering reminder of the power I carry within my mouth. Help me today to control my words and rule over my spirit. Create within me a pure heart so that my speech and communication may be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight.
I desire to build up with my words and impart Grace to those who hear. In doing so, I want to bring Glory and Honor to your name. I ask this now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
